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Irresistible Billionaires #5
Playing For Keeps
Fake it till you make it.
CEO Justin Hollinsworth’s playboy ways have his board of directors in a tizzy. Apparently, him bedding a different beauty every night somehow offends the company’s morality clause. The penalty of which could be sharing his CEO title with his brother. So far, his billionaire status has bought him the upper hand. But time is running out. His only option is to find a wife and pretend to settle down, in hopes of appeasing his uppity board. Who better to ask than his ex-best friend?
Mercedes Nicholson isn’t a careless business owner. When she fronted money to an associate, she trusted she would be paid back. That was her first mistake. She was fearing it would cost her a lifetime of work to dig herself out of that hole, when Justin came back into her life with an unconventional offer. One that might just save her business.
But Mercedes has a secret that will be impossible to keep hidden. To her, Justin was always more than a friend. He was the boy that stole her heart when she was a gangly eight year old. Now, she’s a grown woman with the desire to do unspeakably naughty things to him. Can she fake a marriage to the only man she’s ever loved? Or will real emotions get in the way of the perfect ruse?
CEO Justin Hollinsworth’s playboy ways have his board of directors in a tizzy. Apparently, him bedding a different beauty every night somehow offends the company’s morality clause. The penalty of which could be sharing his CEO title with his brother. So far, his billionaire status has bought him the upper hand. But time is running out. His only option is to find a wife and pretend to settle down, in hopes of appeasing his uppity board. Who better to ask than his ex-best friend?
Mercedes Nicholson isn’t a careless business owner. When she fronted money to an associate, she trusted she would be paid back. That was her first mistake. She was fearing it would cost her a lifetime of work to dig herself out of that hole, when Justin came back into her life with an unconventional offer. One that might just save her business.
But Mercedes has a secret that will be impossible to keep hidden. To her, Justin was always more than a friend. He was the boy that stole her heart when she was a gangly eight year old. Now, she’s a grown woman with the desire to do unspeakably naughty things to him. Can she fake a marriage to the only man she’s ever loved? Or will real emotions get in the way of the perfect ruse?
- GenresContemporarySteamy
266 pages, Kindle Edition
Published November 1, 2020
About the author
Ashley Bostock
33 books516 followersAshley Davenport was born and raised in Colorado, and although she doesn’t always live there, she’ll always be a Coloradoan at heart. Ashley loves collecting vintage PYREX (if you have pink or turquoise call her), exploring the great outdoors, and traveling to every Disney Resort possible. When she’s not writing or on an adventure, she stays busy daydreaming about the hot men she writes about in her novels.
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Displaying 1 - 15 of 15 reviews
March 26, 2020
Its been a great series, and I wondered how Justin and Mercy were going to work it out. Justin, playboy, never got over is first love, although she never knew she was his first love.
Mercy also hadn't got over her first love, and gain he did not know anything about it either.
They both had a lot of pent up feelings, but had never talked to each other about them, which meant they both struggled with seeing each other years later.
Was their arrangement wrong? probably not! they wern't hurting anyone other tham themselves, and they did a fantastic job at making it all seem very real.
They did have great chemistry. Oh Boy! they sizzled. Justin wasn't a hard nosed billionaire he cared about people, he was passionate about the company and the Hotel, he thought he could get through the arrangement unscathed - ooops.... look how that turned out!
Mercy was also very passionate about her career, she loved helping peoples dreams come true, and was working hard on her own.
I loved their time on the island, the wedding..... it was really lovely.
They both lost their hearts on that Island, and it was such a shame when it came to an abrubt end. I really fely for them both, but in the aftermath of loosing a loved family member, brings lives into perspective.
The book was well written, kept me engaged, throughout and I totally loved the epilogue with the boys all knowing what had been happening.
A thrilling, sexy end to a great series.
Mercy also hadn't got over her first love, and gain he did not know anything about it either.
They both had a lot of pent up feelings, but had never talked to each other about them, which meant they both struggled with seeing each other years later.
Was their arrangement wrong? probably not! they wern't hurting anyone other tham themselves, and they did a fantastic job at making it all seem very real.
They did have great chemistry. Oh Boy! they sizzled. Justin wasn't a hard nosed billionaire he cared about people, he was passionate about the company and the Hotel, he thought he could get through the arrangement unscathed - ooops.... look how that turned out!
Mercy was also very passionate about her career, she loved helping peoples dreams come true, and was working hard on her own.
I loved their time on the island, the wedding..... it was really lovely.
They both lost their hearts on that Island, and it was such a shame when it came to an abrubt end. I really fely for them both, but in the aftermath of loosing a loved family member, brings lives into perspective.
The book was well written, kept me engaged, throughout and I totally loved the epilogue with the boys all knowing what had been happening.
A thrilling, sexy end to a great series.
February 18, 2020
Playing For Keeps is a Second Chance/Enemies to Lovers romance that shows you that sometimes you need to be honest with yourself and others, even it if it is hard. Miscommunication is definitely high up on the list for how relationships can be ruined. Lucky for our main characters (and us) a chance situation is going to thrust them back together, the question is what happens when the situation ends?!?
My heart aches for both Mercedes and Justin and all the pain they went through when they were growing up. Being best friends when they were growing up did NOT help Mercedes feelings for Justin and then everything imploded.... but you have to read the book to find out what happens in the present time for these two ex-best friends! All in all this was a heartwarming book that was enjoyable to read. I give it 4 outta 5 stars!
PS: Thank you to Ashley Bostock and Inkslinger PR for allowing me an advanced copy of the book to read and review honestly!
My heart aches for both Mercedes and Justin and all the pain they went through when they were growing up. Being best friends when they were growing up did NOT help Mercedes feelings for Justin and then everything imploded.... but you have to read the book to find out what happens in the present time for these two ex-best friends! All in all this was a heartwarming book that was enjoyable to read. I give it 4 outta 5 stars!
PS: Thank you to Ashley Bostock and Inkslinger PR for allowing me an advanced copy of the book to read and review honestly!
August 19, 2022
3.5 stars
This is the last book in a series, but the first one I read. Justin overhears his dad saying he wants to bring in Justin's brother as co-CEO even though Justin has been doing a great job and his brother isn't interested in the job. The reason his dad wants to do it is to clean up the company's image since Justin is a player and won't settle down. Does his dad talk to him about it - no. Does he talk to his dad about what he heard - no. Unfortunately, this book seems to have a lot of cowards. Justin won't confront his dad. His
dad won't talk to Justin. Instead he blackmails his childhood best friend, Mercedes, into becoming his fake wife. Does he admit his feelings - no. Does she - no.
There are some loose ends and unanswered questions. Apparently, Mercedes broke Justin's heart when she stated dating his friend in high school. Why she started dating him when she loved Justin is never answered. Neither is what happened with that relationship, even though we know it ends. It makes absolutely no sense that she would start dating him. It also makes no sense that neither will be honest now. They have a fake marriage and his father doesn't attend but what about his mother? Can't she step up and support him? The fake that she doesn't is just glossed over. On top of that, when Mercedes finally admits her feelings he can't hear her because of a loud truck. Really? It's so loud he can't hear her but she doesn't hear it. And his response is to walk away instead of following her even though he knows she's upset and he's going on a trip. And, why was his brother expressing interest in a job he never wanted? That made no sense.
I would have liked the story a lot more if what happened with the boyfriend, his dad's behavior, his brother's job interest and the reason his friends said Justin and Mercedes belong together even though the friends had never met her had been explained. It seemed like there were several unfinished tangents. After all that angst, the ending felt a bit rushed.
This is the last book in a series, but the first one I read. Justin overhears his dad saying he wants to bring in Justin's brother as co-CEO even though Justin has been doing a great job and his brother isn't interested in the job. The reason his dad wants to do it is to clean up the company's image since Justin is a player and won't settle down. Does his dad talk to him about it - no. Does he talk to his dad about what he heard - no. Unfortunately, this book seems to have a lot of cowards. Justin won't confront his dad. His
dad won't talk to Justin. Instead he blackmails his childhood best friend, Mercedes, into becoming his fake wife. Does he admit his feelings - no. Does she - no.
There are some loose ends and unanswered questions. Apparently, Mercedes broke Justin's heart when she stated dating his friend in high school. Why she started dating him when she loved Justin is never answered. Neither is what happened with that relationship, even though we know it ends. It makes absolutely no sense that she would start dating him. It also makes no sense that neither will be honest now. They have a fake marriage and his father doesn't attend but what about his mother? Can't she step up and support him? The fake that she doesn't is just glossed over. On top of that, when Mercedes finally admits her feelings he can't hear her because of a loud truck. Really? It's so loud he can't hear her but she doesn't hear it. And his response is to walk away instead of following her even though he knows she's upset and he's going on a trip. And, why was his brother expressing interest in a job he never wanted? That made no sense.
I would have liked the story a lot more if what happened with the boyfriend, his dad's behavior, his brother's job interest and the reason his friends said Justin and Mercedes belong together even though the friends had never met her had been explained. It seemed like there were several unfinished tangents. After all that angst, the ending felt a bit rushed.
February 20, 2023
Playing For Keeps
Playing For Keeps was definitely my favorite out of the series because you got to see the characters from beginning to end and see how they interacted in the other books and how it built up to their own story!!!!! This book had steam, laughing, crying, all of it!!!!!! So good!!!!! It was so hard to put down!!!!! Can’t wait to see what else Ashley writes!!!!!
Playing For Keeps was definitely my favorite out of the series because you got to see the characters from beginning to end and see how they interacted in the other books and how it built up to their own story!!!!! This book had steam, laughing, crying, all of it!!!!!! So good!!!!! It was so hard to put down!!!!! Can’t wait to see what else Ashley writes!!!!!
April 6, 2021
Final book of series. Pretty good.
February 23, 2020
Playing For Keeps is a different twist from enemies to lovers romance. See, Justin & Mercedes were best friends whose bond kept getting stronger as they battled painful demons, until a situation arose which destroyed everything, and as adults, they're ex-besties with a side of enemy mixed in. When the board of the family company Justin is CEO of decides he needs to marry to fix his scandalous playboy image, he's got to find a bride quickly, and since he's only willing to concede to a fake one, he comes up with Mercedes being that "fake" wife. She needs financial help so his out of the blue offer seems like a godsend, though with a twist of angst involved. As they go through with it, both are finding some serious chemistry came along for the ride, and it's not going to be denied forever. Since miscommunication may or may not have a played into them becoming enemies, can they learn from their mistakes for a read second chance on a happily ever after?! You'll have to hit that one click button to find out! HIGHLY RECOMMEND!
February 29, 2020
See full post with giveaway and teasers: https://reesesreviews.blogspot.com/20...
Justin and Mercedes were best friends going up. Justin was Mercedes's first kiss, first make-out, and only love. The two play a constant back and forth and refuse to tell each other how they feel until it's too late.
Justin had a lot of unnecessary hurts he was going through in this story. He left betrayed when Mercy started dating someone else and so he lashed out and hurt her so many years ago. Now with Mercy back in his life, everything has changed and she is beyond everything he could have wanted.
I loved Mercedes. She is such a hard-working and caring person to her friends, family, and even to Justin after all the hurt he caused her.
I really enjoyed Playing for Keeps. I loved this story. It was fun and enjoyable with amazing characters and great pacing.
Justin and Mercedes were best friends going up. Justin was Mercedes's first kiss, first make-out, and only love. The two play a constant back and forth and refuse to tell each other how they feel until it's too late.
Justin had a lot of unnecessary hurts he was going through in this story. He left betrayed when Mercy started dating someone else and so he lashed out and hurt her so many years ago. Now with Mercy back in his life, everything has changed and she is beyond everything he could have wanted.
I loved Mercedes. She is such a hard-working and caring person to her friends, family, and even to Justin after all the hurt he caused her.
I really enjoyed Playing for Keeps. I loved this story. It was fun and enjoyable with amazing characters and great pacing.
March 16, 2020
5 stars
Justin and Mercedes have a history. Best friends growing up who have a falling out as teenagers, leads to harsh feelings that still exist. When their paths cross and they each could use the other one’s help, an arrangement is made. Their relationship has a constant underlying current of sexual tension, yet both are oblivious to the other person’s true feelings. As time goes on, and events occur, they begin to grow closer again, but both are afraid to be hurt. Neither one knows how to handle the things they are feeling and as the reader we are along for the ride. You cannot ignore the intense feelings these two characters have between them and you will laugh, yell, smile and even cry while following them on a journey of discovery.
Cara - Alphas Do It Better Book Blog
Justin and Mercedes have a history. Best friends growing up who have a falling out as teenagers, leads to harsh feelings that still exist. When their paths cross and they each could use the other one’s help, an arrangement is made. Their relationship has a constant underlying current of sexual tension, yet both are oblivious to the other person’s true feelings. As time goes on, and events occur, they begin to grow closer again, but both are afraid to be hurt. Neither one knows how to handle the things they are feeling and as the reader we are along for the ride. You cannot ignore the intense feelings these two characters have between them and you will laugh, yell, smile and even cry while following them on a journey of discovery.
Cara - Alphas Do It Better Book Blog
February 17, 2020
This was my first book written by Ashley & I really enjoyed it. I loved the storyline, the characters were great & the ending was perfect. Usually I’m not a fan of books that have flashbacks but these small memory flashbacks were perfect. Not too long, they were sweet & they actually contributed to the story & made you better understand the relationship between Justin & Mercedes. I will most certainly be checking out her other books in this series & her other books. I give this book 4-1/2 stars & recommend any wanting a sweet, friends to enemies to lovers/Fake marriage that they give this book a read!
I received an ARC of this book in return for an honest review.
I received an ARC of this book in return for an honest review.
February 18, 2020
Justin & Mercedes....these two surprised me with how much I liked them. Justin is a cocky CEO and a womanizer, when his habits with women get him in trouble he needs to "settle down" and who better than his former best friend?!
I loved seeing these two try to figure out their relationship. Mercedes has been into Justin since they were kids and her trying to control it was so goood! I loved the tension!
This was book 8 in a series but can definitely be read as a standalone!
I loved seeing these two try to figure out their relationship. Mercedes has been into Justin since they were kids and her trying to control it was so goood! I loved the tension!
This was book 8 in a series but can definitely be read as a standalone!
March 4, 2020
If only young best friends could have talked about their feelings before they imploded! Now as adults, he is pretty antagonistic towards her and she has never known what she did wrong, even many years later. A relationship of convenience will fix his PR problem with work and he will help her event planning business keep from failing. Win-win. Enter people who don't believe they are real, drama, and the real feelings they keep trying to ignore. Good read!
February 19, 2020
I really liked Mercedes.
Justin, not so much.
He’s a player, so much so, he’s in trouble with the board. How does he intend to solve the issues his own unsavory behavior caused? Like that he’s in a real relationship with Mercedes. It’s a transaction for him. For her, it’s so much more.
I can recommend.
Justin, not so much.
He’s a player, so much so, he’s in trouble with the board. How does he intend to solve the issues his own unsavory behavior caused? Like that he’s in a real relationship with Mercedes. It’s a transaction for him. For her, it’s so much more.
I can recommend.
February 17, 2020
Sassy, sexy with a sense of humor and a dash of sensitivity. Playing for Keeps puts the senses at full alert with rising temperatures, saucy dialogue and the perfect amount of heart. Bostock doles out a spicy twist of fun.
February 17, 2020
This was my first book by Asjhley and it was amazing
March 2, 2020
Justin and Mercedes were a great ex friends/enemies to lovers coupling. There's plenty of feels, some humor and sexiness to keep you satisfied all the way to the end!
Displaying 1 - 15 of 15 reviews